Steven

"Our son, Steven, came to Ivy Hill about 4 years ago after a program he was in had closed. When he arrived at Ivy Hill, Steven could ride with someone holding the lead. His instructor, Megan, has worked wonders with him and today Steven is independently trotting in the ring as well as following directions called to him. That isn’t the true reason why we come to Ivy Hill, it is the smile he carries with him long after he dismounts the horse and helps put everything away. It is that sense that “ I can do it” which so often times he doesn’t hear in his mind, as when he looks at his peers, more than not, the voice is I can’t do it. The excitement on the ride home and him wanting to call our family to tell them what he did that night or if it is a horse show, the ribbon he won, is why we come to Ivy Hill. The instructors and volunteers are great as they allow him to grow and when he doubts himself, they are there to encourage. Each one looks beyond his disability and focus’s on his ability. It would be great if everyone in society would do that."